[Luinadar]

Hi Child, liked the points you covered in your post.I also think that Tolkiens inspiration is drawn directly from the countryside he knew, lived in and revered so dearly. Specifically, the true essense of the Shire itself is to be found in the deep South West of England. Devon, Somerset, Glastonbury and Wiltshire all have scenery and places - still unspoiled by man - that is pure magical Shire country.
Taking that geographical source one step further east, and you have true Barrow Downs country too, Stone Circles, Henges, Barrow mounds strange and forgotton places, more than a little reminiscent of ME's landcape just East of The Old Forest.
Beyond the Downs before the last Ice Age, England herself was utterly linked by a vast land bridge to the Continent of Europe. I dont know where I'm going with this, but I think that the landscape of England and Europe has- even today- a strong undercurrent of Tolkiens Middle Earth/Europe, you just gotta take time to see it ;-)